Wish Blog

Mar 07, 2016

Mahalo Spring 2016 Interns!

This Spring semester, we have a group of motivated interns who go above and beyond. Get to know a few amazing individuals who contribute their time, efforts and ideas toward Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s mission.

Ayanna Jose, Program Department Intern

1. What brought you to Make-A-Wish Hawaii?

I wanted to be able to gain hands-on experience working in a professional environment outside of school. Being able to be a part of granting wishes for kids made the job description all the more appealing!

2. If you were given one wish, what would your wish be and why?

I wish to be a pediatrician. Ever since middle school, I had my heart set on medicine; being able to heal people seemed like being a modern day superhero. Academically, I loved science; biology in particular. And I love working with children; being able to work with such imaginative minds and hearts seemed like a dream. So I decided to combine the two and make the best of both worlds.

3. Favorite part about your job so far?

The people! Being able to see all these inspiring kids and hear their stories makes working for Make-A-Wish so unique. In addition to that, everyone I work with is so friendly and lively; it makes my time here so memorable. It is also pretty amazing to be surrounded by people who share the same love for Disney as me; where breaking out in song is just a normal day in the office.

My passion for volunteering and helping others is what brought me to Make-A-Wish Hawaii. When I met Glenn Mendoza and Kari Bogner at a school expo, I immediately fell in love with their work.

2. Describe Make-A-Wish Hawaii in ONE word.

If I were to describe Make-A-Wish in one word, I would say, "uplifting."

3. What do you hope to get out of your time at Make-A-Wish Hawaii?

I hope to make my mark and inspire others to join in and help out. I hope to instill in others a love for the mission.

Brittany Montilliano, Community Engagement Department Intern

1.What brought you to Make-A-Wish Hawaii?

Make-A-Wish's mission; I wanted to help any way that I could.

2. If you were given one wish, what would your wish be and why?

Send my mom to Disneyland/world because she's done so much for me.

3. Favorite part about your job so far?

In the first part of my internship as a graphics intern, I got to create some really cool design work.

Angela Kroeger, Medical Outreach Department Intern

1.What brought you to Make-A-Wish Hawaii?

I am actually a former wish kid, my wish was granted back in 1999. I have always wanted to give back and be involved with the wonderful organization that helped my family and I get through the hardest time in my life.

2. If you were given one wish, what would your wish be and why?

If I was given one wish, my wish would be to travel across Southeast Asia because I want to try all of the different foods!

3. Favorite part about your job so far?

Getting to meet physicians/front-desk staff to encourage wish kid referrals and sharing with them what a big difference they make

Melissa Ponce, Community Engagement Department Intern

1.What brought you to Make-A-Wish Hawaii?

I’ve always had a passion for volunteering and keeping myself busy with things that I love to do, which include helping others out in any way, shape, or form. Prior to my internship, I’ve been wanting to volunteer with Make-A-Wish Hawaii for a while but it wasn’t until I met Glenn and Kari at my school's career fair that I immediately felt inspired that it was meant to be. A few months later, and here I am!

2. If you were given one wish, what would your wish be and why?

If I could have one wish, it would be to go to Rome. Aside from my family members being there, I’ve always wanted to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. I grew up into a Catholic family and am heavily involved in my Church’s ministry. I grew up learning about it and have seen the Basilica in pictures and movies and immediately fell in love with its structure and grandeur.

3. Favorite part about your job so far?

My favorite part about this job is being able to write the wish stories. I can almost imagine how happy they are when they are granted their wish. It’s as if I’m taking part in the wish with them. And to be able to formulate their experience into a story is such a rewarding feeling.

The program department and their interns work to make wishes come true right here in Hawaii!

The wish assist department and their interns make wishes magical for kids who wish to visit our islands.

About this Blog

Wish Blog gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the wonderful work happening at Make-A-Wish® Hawaii. See how the wishes of local keiki battling life-threatening medical conditions come together and how they change lives forever. Hear directly from those who work or volunteer here, or from those in your neighborhood who have been transformed by a wish in some way. Discover why we are so committed to achieving our vision of granting the wish of every eligible child, every year.

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